Museum Klooster Claercamp

The Monastery Claercamp (1165 - 1580) was once the first and largest Cistercian monastery in the Netherlands. The greatest bloom experienced the monastery around the year 1300, when more than 700 monks and lay brothers (conversations) lived and worked. Claercamp was mother monastery of, among others, the monasteries in Bolsward, Gerkesklooster and Aduard. The landing of the monastery stretched from Leeuwarden to Schiermonnikoog (Isle of the Monks). The abc of Claercamp was then also politically important. For example, he had regular contact with King Philips III of France. The monastery had a different appearance. so in 1439 the Schierstins te Veenwouden was purchased, from which the turf winning was organized. Also, the monks of Claercamp were the first in the north to stone stones, the so-called monastic masts. The important hydraulic works made the region manageable and habitable. When the province of Friesland went to protestantism in 1580, the monastery became the province of all lands. Because it was scared that the monastery complex would fall into the hands of the Spaniards, it was during the eighties war, it was immediately commenced with the demolition. The terp was demolished for the fertile earth, the last part in 1941. During this period, excavations were performed by Professor Van Giffen. Very special is the Klaarkampermeer. It is a saltwater area on the former territory of Claercamp Monastery. Here the clay was recovered for baking stones. The large stone used for the monument next to the entrance of the museum is also from this area.

In 2013 the monastery museum opened and is located in the middle of the former monastery grounds. The exhibition depicts the history of the monastery, including the findings of Professor Van Giffen, Bruiklenen of the Friesian Museum, finds of a RCE trial excavation in 2010, findings by people from the region, and a recent tv documentary from Omrop Fryslân .

At the monastery shop there are nice souvenirs for sale, including local produce, medieval books, candles etc.

The Monastery Claercamp Museum is located in the former monastery area, next to the Bed & Breakfast Claercamp, at the Klaarkampsterwei 6 in Rinsumageast.